Houston reacts to GOP candidates in the Bayou City

February 24, 2016 7:48 PM

Supporters listen to Marco Rubio at a rally on the eve of Thursday's CNN GOP Debate at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport on Wednesday.

Supporters listen to Marco Rubio at a rally on the eve of Thursday's CNN GOP Debate at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport on Wednesday.

Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle

Supporters listen to Marco Rubio at a rally on the eve of...photo-9453339.125576 - |ucfirst

Marco Rubio holds a rally at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Houston, Texas.

Marco Rubio holds a rally at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Houston, Texas.

Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle

Marco Rubio holds a rally at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby...photo-9453340.125576 - |ucfirst

Supporters listen to Marco Rubio at the rally at the Marriott.

Supporters listen to Marco Rubio at the rally at the Marriott.

Photo: Gary Coronado, Houston Chronicle

Supporters listen to Marco Rubio at the rally at the Marriott.photo-9453336.125576 - |ucfirst

Marco Rubio holds a rally on the eve of Thursday's CNN GOP Debate sharing his vision for a New American Century at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Houston, Texas.

Marco Rubio holds a rally on the eve of Thursday's CNN GOP Debate sharing his vision for a New American Century at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Houston, Texas.

Rubio of Florida, holds up a drawing given to him.photo-9453316.125576 - |ucfirst

Supporters recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Rubio rally.

Supporters recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Rubio rally.

Photo: ERIC THAYER, New York Times

Supporters recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Rubio rally.photo-9453312.125576 - |ucfirst

The crowd waits to meet Rubio.

The crowd waits to meet Rubio.

Photo: ERIC THAYER, New York Times

The crowd waits to meet Rubio.photo-9453310.125576 - |ucfirst

Marco Rubio holds a rally on the eve of Thursday's CNN GOP Debate sharing his vision for a New American Century at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Houston, Texas.

Marco Rubio holds a rally on the eve of Thursday's CNN GOP Debate sharing his vision for a New American Century at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016, in Houston, Texas.

David Michael Smith, 61, a semi-retired political scientist, protests outside the Harris County Republican Party 2016 Lincoln Reagan Dinner, held at the Bayou City Event Center on Knight Road on Wednesday.

David Michael Smith, 61, a semi-retired political scientist, protests outside the Harris County Republican Party 2016 Lincoln Reagan Dinner, held at the Bayou City Event Center on Knight Road on Wednesday.

Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle

David Michael Smith, 61, a semi-retired political scientist,...photo-9453351.125576 - |ucfirst

Staffers with the Ted Cruz campaign prepare to hand out stickers before the Harris County Republican Party dinner in Houston on Wednesday.

Staffers with the Ted Cruz campaign prepare to hand out stickers before the Harris County Republican Party dinner in Houston on Wednesday.

Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle

Staffers with the Ted Cruz campaign prepare to hand out stickers...photo-9453353.125576 - |ucfirst

John Gozaba, a 23-year-old student at the University of Texas, puts a Ted Cruz sticker on his jacket before the Republican dinner in Houston on Wednesday.

John Gozaba, a 23-year-old student at the University of Texas, puts a Ted Cruz sticker on his jacket before the Republican dinner in Houston on Wednesday.

Photo: Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle

John Gozaba, a 23-year-old student at the University of Texas, puts...photo-9453355.125576 - |ucfirst

Marta Rivera, a 37-year-old hospitality worker, listens as the National Anthem is sung at the Harris County Republican Party 2016 Lincoln Reagan Dinner, held at the Bayou City Event Center on Wednesday.

Marta Rivera, a 37-year-old hospitality worker, listens as the National Anthem is sung at the Harris County Republican Party 2016 Lincoln Reagan Dinner, held at the Bayou City Event Center on Wednesday.